The March of Asiatic Lion

Through years of conservation, the lions of Gir almost woke up from the dead. Reckless hunting of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leopersica) or "Gir no Sinh” almost brought it to the verge of extinction. Wynter- Blyth (1950), mentioned in his documents that the last freely roaming lion outside the Kathiawar region was seen in 1884 and since then lions have only restricted themselves to Kathiawar/ Saurashtra.1880-1936, was a period of great turmoil in the lives of Asiatic lions. It was only in the 20th century, conservation and protection of lions for the first time gained attention of the royal hunters (the Nawabs and kings of India) and Viceroys. In 1913, when the Nawabs and the government became aware of the fact that no more than 20 lions were left, uncontrolled shooting of lions was banned and for the first time few steps towards lions’ conservation began. As a result of these efforts by 1917, lions were seen revisiting the forests of Mitiyala. Also, the Census of 1936, which gave a total figure of 287 lions, came as a big relief. Post- Independence, a major step was taken by the central government, and Gir was declared as a "Sanctuary” on 18.09.1965. And since then, the population of lions has increased gradually. By 1980s, Gir became pretty famous as the last abode of Asiatic lion.

Lion Recovery : Global Success Story

Fig 1: Post - Independence Lion Population Estimations.

The reported number of lions in each population estimation moved upwards. Based on the recent Lion Population Estimation held in May 2015,the current population of Asiatic Lion stands at 523 (An increase of 27% over last five years). In fact, the status of Asiatic Lion has been upgraded from critically endangered to endangered by IUCN in 2010. However, the path to this successful growth was not very smooth for both, the lions and the Gujarat Forest Department (GFD). As reported by various researchers and forest officials problems like, presence of Maldhari tribe and their livestock in the sanctuary area, adverse affect of natural calamities such as drought on the ungulate population of Gir, few cases of lion poaching and poisoning and other commercial and anthropogenic issues have always haunted the lion population.

But, today with better and scientific management inputs of Gujarat Forest Department (GFD), establishment of village level institutions like, eco-development committees, identification of responsible people at the village level (Vanya Prani Mitra), organization of nature education camps at regular intervals, monitoring of vegetation and wild ungulates population of Gir, development of strategies, skilled human resource and infrastructure to mitigate man-animal conflict and with the cooperation of the local people, the Gir PA has become a success story for conserving the rising lion numbers in a human dominated landscape.

Taking advantage of all these efforts, lion has over the time carved out space for him and has successfully re-colonised some of its lost territory. As compared to the previous 1883.04 sq.km network of Gir Protected Area, the present Asiatic Lion Landscape (ALL) admeasures around 20,000sq km in Saurashtra (as per the 2015 census). The concept of ALL has been adapted through which additional suitable habitats for lion have been developed. Lions now have a larger home range than before. The man power and infrastructure have been strengthened for intensive protection and conservation of lion in ALL.

Movement Records of Lions in the Asiatic Lion Landscape

Fig 2: Asiatic Lion Movement in Saurashtra Landscape

Movement in Saurashtra Landscape

Where the Asiatic lion has now made its way to the International platform by becoming the logo for the brand "Make in India”, the forest department has also decided to expand the territory of the lion by developing an alternative home for them in Barda Sanctuary. Such a cautious conservation step will not only banish the fear of population extinction but will also accommodate the growing lion population in its old and safe home. Two male lions and lionesses have been already relocated to Barda sanctuary with an aim to create a new gene-pool. Also, a herbivore breeding Centre have been developed at the same place to create a suitable prey base for the future lion population.

Although, the journey of the lion was full of hurdles but being the king of the jungle, Asiatic lion paved out his way as a Royal challenger. And thus, established not only its ecological importance for the forests of Gir but also proved its economical, social, cultural, political and moral values for the people of Gujarat.